December is here, and so is the snow. The winter storms keep on coming through and bringing snowfall, although not as much as the Thanksgiving storm, the addition of snowfall is welcome by all. We are hoping for another great winter and December is not disappointing thus far. Before getting in to the fishing, we have some great stocking stuffer waterproof fly boxes available. These can hold up to 126 flies, and they come pre-loaded with 1 dozen of our top fly patterns. Click here to purchase in time for the holidays!

The latest storm dropped snow down to the 6000′ level. The East Walker River got a decent shot of it overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning. Fishing has been good here for some big fish recently. Hot Creek access still ok for the Interpretive Site and is fishing well. Upper Owens showing a good supply of large rainbows in all the usual spots. The latest storm filled in the ruts with snow so be careful as you drive in. Lower Owens still fishing great and most of the snow has melted off here. We are still drifting all sections here with the boats. Pyramid Lake has been fishing well from shore and from the boats. We have dates open here for December and are offering  shore and boat trips.

Lower Owens River/Wild Trout Section (Bishop Area)

Great fishing down here with a mix of fish of all sizes. Some really nice ones have been coming to the net that have been falling victim to our streamer patterns. Rainbows and browns are making a showing now. A BWO hatch can be a real treat in the afternoons. Most of our runs are open and the water conditions are ideal. We are now in full operation down here, so call or text us at 760-935-4250 or fill out one of our trip requests here.

Best Flies: Spruce-a-Bu #8 Light and Dark, Loeberg #10 all colors, Agent Orange #8-10, Crystal Leech #8-10, Punk Park dark and light #8-12, Flashback PT #16-18, Copper Tiger Midge #18-20

Hot Creek

Straight winter mode for the fish here, especially after the snow rolls through. The trout have become very opportunistic and egg patterns bounced along the stream bed are doing the trick. Go with some small mayfly emergers just prior to the mid-day hatch for some steady action. Smaller midge patterns are also getting takes. Fish are starting to concentrate more in the deeper pools.

Best Flies: Flashback PT’s #16-#20, Tricos Spinners #20-22, SD Crawlers in Red #14, Copper Tiger Midges #18-20, and #18 Assassin Dark, Tangerine Opaque, Kiwi Flash, and Apricot Flash Otter Eggs have been excellent.

Upper Owens River

The snow has covered the roads into the river here. Some melting will take place this week, but we are expecting more snow possibly by the weekend. Take great care if you choose to drive in and watch the ruts. Most of the fish are still moving up river and holding in various areas. Our egg patterns have been doing well in the deeper sections and the occasional deeper spots along the banks. Some good midge hatches throughout the day have some fish moving into the slick water eddies to feed. Our snowmobiles are a hair away from navigating the river at this point.

Best Flies: Stimulator – 12, 14, 16; Crystal Copper Tiger Midge – 16,18; B100FB – 14, 16, 18, 20; Spruce a bu dark and light; Loeberg Mallard Silver; Loeberg Guinea Silver, Crystal Midge Pupa Black – 18; Crystal Chironomid Emerger Copper – 16, 18; Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge – 14,16,18, Kiwi Flash and Flamingo Otter Eggs.

East Walker River

Flows are now down to winter release rates in the 20 cfs range. They will probably remain low till the spring but fishing has been pretty good here now. Egg patterns can be very effective now and through the winter months.

Best Flies: B100FB – 18, 20; Crystal Copper Tiger Midge -16; Crystal Zebra Midge – 16, 18; Punk Perch Light and Dark – 14, 16; Parallel Punk Perch Light and Dark; Crystal Leech – 12, 14, 16; Agent Orange 12, 14, 16; Parallel Agent Orange – 14, Spruce-a-bu Dark and Light, Eggs: Tangerine Red Flash, Dead Egg, Tangerine Opaque, Flamingo.

Pyramid Lake

Fishing has been great here for November and even better as we slide into this month. We have boat trips available here this year as well as from shore. Call or email for pricing and for more info.